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Mar 31, 2023

Ecolab Q1 2023 Earnings Report

Ecolab delivered very strong operating performance, with sales and earnings exceeding expectations. The company continues to expect further performance improvement through 2023.

Key Takeaways

Ecolab reported a strong first quarter with organic sales growth of 13% and adjusted EPS of $0.88, a 7% increase year-over-year. The company's performance was driven by double-digit growth in key segments and improved operating income margin.

Reported sales reached $3.6 billion, a 9% increase compared to the previous year, with organic sales growing by 13%.

Operating income increased by 38%, with organic operating income growth accelerating to 19%.

The organic operating income margin expanded by 50 bps year-over-year to 10.6%, driven by modest gross margin expansion and improved productivity.

Reported diluted EPS increased by 37% to $0.82, while adjusted diluted EPS rose by 7% to $0.88.

Total Revenue
$3.57B
Previous year: $3.27B
+9.3%
EPS
$0.88
Previous year: $0.82
+7.3%
Operating Income Margin
9.8%
Gross Profit
$1.37B
Previous year: $1.19B
+14.5%
Cash and Equivalents
$419M
Previous year: $99.4M
+321.9%
Free Cash Flow
$24.5M
Previous year: $21.4M
+14.5%
Total Assets
$21.3B
Previous year: $21.1B
+0.9%

Ecolab

Ecolab

Ecolab Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Ecolab expects to deliver quarterly adjusted earnings per share growth that accelerates towards its low double-digit historical performance. For the second quarter of 2023, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share in the $1.15 to $1.25 range.

Positive Outlook

  • Continued robust sales growth
  • Easing delivered product cost inflation
  • Improved productivity
  • Strong organic sales gains
  • Double-digit growth in organic operating income

Challenges Ahead

  • Challenging macro environment
  • High delivered product costs
  • Easing demand
  • Higher interest expense
  • Currency translation

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income